Where is it?
Hartshill Hayes Country Park (CV10 0TH) is run and managed by Warwickshire County Council.
It has sufficient parking (£2.50) and a toilet block. There is no on-site cafe.
It is here on What 3 Words.
It is 10 minutes from Nuneaton and 20 minutes from Junction 3 of the M6. The closest train station is Nuneaton. It appears to be Warwickshire’s best kept secret..
What’s a 6 hour event?
I’ve made a short video here to try to explain a little.
It is an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and beer and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6:30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you.
There is no pressure from us, but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your friends.
Course description
In summary, it's hilly! Really hilly. That isn't to sound tough or macho - it's a numerical fact! Each lap has over 400ft of up... and down...! It's a great course, mainly through the mature woodland with bluebells in full bloom hopefully. There is a killer set of steps you get to run down and some stunning views across countryside at the start of each lap. This is a truly rewarding course and the blanket of bluebells (that should be there if nature plays ball!) will really add to the event. There is a very short section of tarmac (around 20m) followed by some compact trail but the vast majority of the course is woodland trail.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach. The earlier you enter, the cheaper the event but never ever will you pay a booking fee!
Before 22/03/2024 £35
After 22/03/2024 £40
Unaffiliated entrants pay £2 extra. Why not join your local running club or sign up the Big Bear Brigade and save 10% off entries for ever!
How far is the race?
You decide how many 2.95 mile laps you're going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 9 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps (+a tiny one).
Has the event been run before?
Yes, many times! You can find the previous results here.
I’m unsure what to expect at a 6 hour event?
We’ve made some videos to try and help newcomers understand Big Bear Events and 6 hour events a little more here. We’ve got lots of videos on our You Tube channel that might help you see what we’re all about!.
I’ve heard you do nice medals. What will it look like?
Once it’s in our hands we’ll share the design with you!
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf! You can find more info about this initiative here.
Can I run with my dog?
No, our canicross season finishes in March
Is there a gpx of the route?
The route gpx can be found here or visit plotaroute.com here. The route may be subject to last minute changes and there will be plenty of markings up on race day so you do not need to have this - but I know some of you like to anyway!
I really want to take part in the event but the day isn’t convenient for me! What can I do?
We’ve partnered with our friends at Skamper to offer On-demand events! It’s not quite the same as being there on the day but it’s the next best thing! Using the Skamper app you can be directed around the route on a day of your choosing. When you sign up we’ll send you the medal in the post that was given out on the day of the event. This way when you finish you’ll be able to claim the medal you’ve earned for the run straight away! Why not load your car boot with snacks and goodies, get some mates to join you and have your own Big Bear event!
Full details on our Big Bear On-Demand events is here.
I still have questions…
Then why not join our Big Bear Events Facebook group and ask our ever so experienced runners in there or email us directly here. We want you to enter with the confidence you’ll have a great (if not tiring!) day so are happy to answer any question we’ve not covered off here.
